A killer (whale) story

In late July, Nome residents were treated to an incredible sight just off our coastline: a small group of whales passing through the neighborhood.

A pod of about 10 killer whales (or orcas) attacked two gray whales, one of which was a young calf that may have been injured. The grays escaped by moving close to the shore: the shallow water likely thwarted the sonar with which the orcas were tracking the grays. Eventually, the killer whales moved on.

The whales’ visit was a rare sight, especially considering their proximity to Nome and its coastline.

Unsurprisingly, Nome residents went out to witness the whales with great enthusiasm. KNOM’s news team was there, too; volunteers Margaret DeMaioribus and Eva DeLappe reported live on the scene. (Eva is pictured at right.)

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This article is part of the September 2013 edition of our newsletter, The Nome Static.